Winter is just starting in Garrett County! Some of us are so excited, and others despise the season. Casual conversations about being a snow lover or hater are common on days like today and can have a big impact on our mindset and general well-being. Although the video above is from Minnesota, we can relate! When we ask people what they love about Garrett County during our focus groups for the Community Health Assessment (conducted every three years) https://mygarrettcounty.com/cha2024/, our four seasons rank very high! People also tell us it takes more effort to stay active during the winter! We hope to provide a way for more people to embrace our winter season, and dare I say, even look forward to it!
GC In Motion is the official program sponsored by CareFirst that has provided access to free and low-cost physical activity events serving thousands of residents and visitors! Our events calendar is bumping during peak summer times, and this year we want to challenge hibernation tendencies and provide some awesome winter options.
We had a hugely popular cross-country ski event; we’ll do again as soon as the snow is just right but we need some more ideas when we don’t have the perfect snow! In the comments below, please suggest winter activities we could offer through Go! to keep us active and social. Attending our GC In Motion events is another way to earn extra prize points and often meet new people!
Winter not only takes a toll on our physical activity levels, but it can be an emotionally challenging time. Here’s a link to our Behavioral Health Provider Guide (BHA Guide): https://mygarrettcounty.com/provider-guide/ if you or someone you know is struggling with depression or other mental health needs it could assist them in seeking treatment. For immediate help, call 988!
Remember, we all need a little extra care sometimes; please take the time to reach out to someone you think could use a friend.
- Harvest Hub Update & Second Funding Round - May 1, 2024
- Pickleball!Update From Chris - April 23, 2024
- Applications For Summer Programming Are Posted - April 10, 2024
Winter months are definitely challenging when it comes to staying active..thank you for providing options for outside activities!
Looking forward to cross country skiing again this year.
I was able to try it for the first time at the event. It was FUN! Hope you have snowshoeing this year. I always enjoy the Ranger guided hikes.Can take my dogs & meeting new people. Let it snow.
Thanks, Dee! We’ll schedule the first cross-country ski event for this season when it starts dumping the snow! Thank you for the specific feedback, we really appreciate it. Snowshoeing is also a great suggestion to add to our offerings. Fur babies help keep us active, and we’re so glad you brought them.
Let’s ride fat bikes! Or, race with us!
For Sure! We tried it in 2021 and should do it with you again. When is your next event?
Jan 13 @Lions Club Park. Also, hopefully, next snow I can send you a message and we’ll get together for an informal ride!
I would like to give the fat bikes a try. Winter hikes is a favorite and I’m all about sled riding or snow tubing!
Thanks, Amy! We appreciate your feedback, now all we need is a little more snow!
Hi Amy, I’d love to fat bike ride with you! 🙂
SNOWWWW
Winter hikes or if you can arrange a CARC swim night
Thanks, Jamie! Winter hiking is gaining some ground. Collaborating with the CARC for the pool is a wonderful idea!
Wonderful to hear that
I enjoy hiking even in the winter.
Teresa, let’s give it go! Our winter hike would need to start at 3:30 and could end with a sunset.
A winter hike with a cup of hot cocoa at the end!
Lori, we hope you join us for the winter hike. The Rangers may offer to start a fire for us in the lakehouse, but they close up the park at dusk, so this may need to be a weekend activity so we can enjoy more of the day.
Winter hikes for sure, although the turnout for the summer series was very low 🙁 A discounted tubing event would be fun (no skill involved – just sit and scream/laugh). I saw swimming suggested – I have going up to CARC on Sunday during the discount swim time – $6.00/visit (only includes the pool), they have a session early Saturday morning also. An indoor location to play drop in Pickleball would be great – especially evenings for those of us that work.
Thanks, Joy! Joy was committed to our hiking series this spring and faithfully attended, we appreciate your support! We are doing all we can to assist in securing a location for Pickleball this winter, and I’ll be sure to pass on your feedback for an evening session.
Winter hike — tomorrow — Dec 19 at 630pm (at the Herrington Manor 5.5 dip!)
Snowshoeing
Sadie, why am I not surprised you would choose an activity with shoes?! LOL. For those who don’t know Sadie, she has one of the best shoe collections! Be watching bc when the snow starts, I hope you, Dee, and a few others will join me for snowshoeing!
Winter hikes. I love snow if it is not too cold. I might try snowshoes if you are able to plan that.
Winter hikes would be so nice.
Thank you, Kathy! Trying new activities is another way to improve wellbeing! Let it snow!
Fall and winter are my favorite seasons! Ice skating is always a fun time and only available to use in the winter!! Bundle up and get outside…I’ll still hike, bike, and the added bonus of [hopefully] cross country skiing!
Looks like we’ve found another snow lover! Luke, we’re glad you are and appreciate your willingness to lead so many activities in our beautiful state park. Ice skating is such a great way to add movement during the winter, thank you for the suggestion!
What about the ice skating rink in grantsville?
JTF Ice Rink! That’s the perfect partner for us, Jamie! An outdoor rink still depends on the weather, but we don’t have to wait for snow.
Snow…….sigh
Had one more idea. What about a winter photo scavenger hunt. Again depends on weather, but depending on where things are hidden or location of things, people may increase steps and you could see if a shop owner or too or maybe a ranger station could be a hot cocoa stop or reindeer munch stop
Nice
Lets go Sled riding